Create A Design That Is Friendly For Children, Pets

If you have house filled with children and pets, it is best to have a decor that is appropriate for a family. A professional designer can create a luxurious design that is both pleasing for the grown-ups but able to accommodate your family and pets.

When it comes to families with children and pets, being able to keep the house clean and clutter-free is a high priority. One of the biggest ways designers can help is by devising clever and attractive ways to store everything from toys to movies to video games.

For example, there are furnishings that can double as storage, such as ottomans and window seats. Built-in shelving units can be installed, offering places to store books, games, toys, videos and much more. Attractive storage containers and baskets can be used to ensure that the storage is appealing visually, as well as functional.

When it comes to choosing furnishings that are both kid and pet friendly, your designer will select furniture that can stand up to heavy use. For example, you will definitely want to shy away from fabrics that are delicate or light in color. Choose heartier materials and those that are stain resistant.

When it comes to flooring, make choices that are safe and easy to clean. Tile can be great in a family room, but you might be worried about infants and toddlers falling and tripping. If you do choose tile, keep it covered with area rugs to increase safety. Wood and carpet are softer for small children, but if you do have pets, carpet might not be the best choice. It is much easier to keep the room clean and fresh without carpet.

Choosing paint is another aspect of design, and semi-gloss paint is a great choice in a room with very high traffic, especially bathrooms and kitchens, but even a family room can look great with semi-gloss paint. High gloss is easy to wash, but will show marks and flaws in the wall and doesn’t really look as attractive in a big family room. Semi-gloss is a bit more versatile, a good middle ground between flat paint and high gloss.

Accessories are another important part of the overall design scheme, but when you have kids and pets, you have to worry about breakage. This doesn’t mean you can’t have some great pieces. Consider a few carefully selected items, placed higher up on bookshelves or some beautiful pieces of art. Even throw pillows will enhance a room, and these can be covered in strong fabrics that are stain resistant.

Vickie Daeley enjoys writing and sharing her knowledge in interior design. For further information about Orange County interior decorating or to find a Yorba Linda interior designer, check out the Interior Affairs site today.

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